Sunshine Coast shapes up for 2013 IRONMAN

If you've seen more runners, swimmers and cyclists around than usual recently, what you might have been seeing are competitors in training for the 2013 IRONMAN on the Sunshine Coast. 

Almost 2,000 competitors will converge on the city on September 15 to swim 1.9km, cycle 90km then finish off the gruelling event by running a half-marathon distance of 21.1km.

Fortunately for them, they will be swimming, running and cycling through some of the most scenic areas in Mooloolaba. The competition is being held in the city for the first time ever, with competitors surprising even the event officials when entries opened and sold out within two hours in March.

If each competitor only brings a couple of people to cheer them on, then thousands of people will be in the city for the weekend so if you're thinking of heading along, it's best to book your Sunshine Coast accommodation sooner rather than later.

Spectators won't be able to join the athletes on the water or keep up during the cycle track, but the final stages of the run will be perfect to set up a spot to cheer as the runners complete the two-lap course along the Mooloolaba Esplanade. 

Even if you don't know anyone in the race, it's a great event to get involved in and could be a good reason to head to the city and spend a weekend away during the excitement.

Professionals such as IRONMAN World Champion Pete Jacobs are expected to be taking part with one third of entrants from interstate and overseas, meaning that there will be some serious competition in the field, making for a great spectator sport.

They will be joining many locals, as the Sunshine Coast is known for its impressive list of athletes, with the area also hosting the Noosa and Mooloolaba triathlons.

The athletes will be competing for a prize purse of US$25,000 and a spot in the IRONMAN World Championship 70.3.